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Hi Augie;

I have read many books related to war, but they are mostly about the war, eg history (Rise & Fall of the 3rd Reich), economics (The Wages of Destruction), holocaust (Hitler's Willing Executioners), from which I have learned a lot. But as a reader, I remained at a distance from the experience of the war, the proverbial "arm-chair" observer. So I thank you for referring me to Intimate Voices and a closer encounter to this violent wound in human history. ...It evoked a dimension of empathy and compassion.

This is a unique read that puts the horror and stupidity of war up close and personal. And it brought so much of what I have previously read as an observer up close and much more personal. It reminds me that I have had a life of grace in that I have been spared the experience of war - at least so far.

Description

First published serially in 1840-41 in Dickens' own magazine, Master Humphrey's Clock, and in book form in 1841, The Old Curiosity Shop was an immediate popular success. The heart-wrenching story of Little Nell and her doting grandfather offered a rich amalgam of misery and malice, goodness and generosity, love and loyalty -- all with a pervading veneer of sentimentality that greatly appealed to Victorian readers.
As the story opens up, Nell and her grandfather are living behind his curiosity shop, which brings in barely a pittance. To improve Nell's prospects, her grandfather gambles at night and is soon in debt to the evil dwarf Quilp. When Quilp takes over the shop, Nell and her aged guardian abandon their home and roam the countryside, where they meet up with a diverse and vivid collection of wandering entertainers and traveling shows, jovial innkeepers, clerics, schoolmasters, and sharp-eyed con men. Relentlessly pursued by the avaricious Quilp, the two struggle to survive in a hostile world that often turns a cold shoulder, but nevertheless also includes people who treat them with kindness and compassion.
The book has much to recommend it--it features a wonderfully picturesque cast of characters drawn with typical Dickensian flair, while the mean streets of Victorian London and the rustic charms of the English countryside are recreated in loving detail. Above all, the book offers a rich human drama of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Generations of readers have applauded Nell and the other plucky underdogs of the story as they oppose the vile and miserable actions of the evil and uncaring.

About the Author

After a childhood blighted by poverty, commercial success came early to Charles Dickens (1812-70). By the age of 24, he was an international sensation whose new novels were eagerly anticipated. Two centuries later, Dickens' popularity endures as readers revel in the warm humanity and rollicking humor of his tales of self-discovery.

Come Rack, Come Rope is a gripping historical novel which takes place during Queen Elizabeth I's persecution of English Catholics. Based on the real sufferings of a real Catholic family in particular, and Catholics across the country, Robert Hugh Benson's classic novel is one of tragedy and loss, but also heroism and human and divine love. The novel follows Robin and Margaret, a young couple in love who forgo their affection when Margaret realizes Robin is called to the priesthood. Both play a critical role in caring physically and spiritually for their fellow Catholics during this time of terror.
Discover their heroism, love, and sacrifice, and be inspired to live it out in our own frightful times in Come Rack, Come Rope.

SPEAKER: Edgar® and Agatha Nominated author Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. Her latest, Murder in the Bowery, was a May 2017 release. The 21st book in that series, Murder on UnionSquare, will be out in May 2018. City of Lies is the first book in her new Counterfeit Lady series, a November 2017 release from Berkley. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook Many Genres/One Craft. Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Illinois with her husband and a very spoiled little dog.

TOPIC: It’s Not a Mystery!Victoria Thompson will show us an easy technique for creating a mystery plot that you can use for a true mystery novel or plug into a novel of any genre. We will actually use the technique to plot a mystery together from scratch.

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